Winding paths to simplicity: genome evolution in facultative insect symbionts.

ABSTRACT: Symbiosis between organisms is an important driving force in evolution. Among the diverse relationships described, extensive progress has been made in insect–bacteria symbiosis, which improved our understanding of the genome evolution in host-associated bacteria. Particularly, investigations on several obligate mutualists have pushed the limits of what we know about the minimal genomes for sustaining cellular life. To bridge the gap between those obligate symbionts with extremely reduced genomes and their non-host-restricted ancestors, this review focuses on the recent progress in genome characterization of facultative insect symbionts. Notable cases representing various types and stages of host associations, including those from multiple genera in the family Enterobacteriaceae (class Gamm

SUBMITTER: Lo WS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5091035 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature